Microlepia speluncae

Dennstaedtiaceae

Microlepia speluncae (L.) T.Moore

Link to Australian Plant Name Index for publication details and synonyms: https://id.biodiversity.org.au/name/apni/72546

Rhizome short-creeping, fleshy, with stipes arising in 2 rows. Stipe and rachis chestnut-brown, almost glabrous at base, becoming densely covered in non-glandular hairs at apex; stipe 25–90 cm long, 2–8 mm diam. Lamina 40–175 cm long, 25–120 cm wide, broadly ovate, 3-pinnate at base, with soft dense colourless or brown-tinged hairs on all surfaces, but more abundant towards apex. Primary pinnae in 25–40 pairs, stalked, longest 16–70 cm long, 6–17 cm wide, arising at narrow angles. Secondary pinnae arising at wide angles, longest 3.5–10 cm long, 15–30 mm wide, with winged midribs. Longest tertiary pinnae 10–18 mm long, 6–8 mm wide, divided part-way to midrib; lowest pair unequal in size and angle of attachment. Ultimate pinnules broad, oblong, obtuse. Sori submarginal, with paraphyses, protected by half-cup-shaped indusia. Spores pale, finely echinate or ±smooth.

Occurs in NE QLD between Torres Strait and Eungella and the Kimberley region of N WA. Also widespread in the tropics.

Terrestrial in rainforest and on rainforest margins, riverbanks and on alluvial flats.

Easily cultivated in a moist shaded garden or fernery in a tropical or subtropical climate.